This is the ingrained thinking of modern people - the heavens are the greatest, and I am second.
So he stared coldly at this fellow, secretly estimating the opponent's strength. Although the opponent seemed formidable, with the Azure Light Piercing and the Wind Queen's Ring, Brando was confident that in terms of stats, he was not inferior.
Moreover, he had the advantage of senior warrior experience at level 130, ensuring that he could take down each of these guys easily. Of course, they could all rush forward at once, but Brando guessed that Bresson wouldn't want to lose face like that.
What surprised him was that the young deputy captain of the guard raised his hand to stop his team members and, with a stern expression, questioned, "How do you know why we are here? What else do you know? Who told you?"
Brando thought to himself, of course I know.
Why would the Buqi Guard Squad appear here, and what is their purpose? Although the young man didn't know every detail, just understanding the general historical trajectory at this moment allowed him to make an educated guess. He knew that the other party couldn't be here for a counterattack - but they must have a motive, right?
By logically thinking through the situation and considering that the Buqi Guard Squad was currently determined to break through to Ridenburg, all the remaining questions could be explained.
This was just like the historical development in the game. In the game, on this day, Madara's undead army had completed the blockade of the Belredo Forest. Earlier this afternoon, or at noon, the Buqi Guard Squad and fleeing villagers encountered an attack by the undead army. This was their closest approach to Ridenburg in history—they were almost successful, but the ensuing Skull Army from Kabais rendered all their efforts futile.
At this moment, Ridenburg hadn't yet realized that its eastern side was under invasion.
But this wasn't just a stroke of bad luck for the Buqi people either. They were facing the terrifyingly efficient left wing of the Instarlon army in the first Black Rose War. No matter what, the guard squad carrying their elderly, women, and children could not match the speed of this famous undead army.
Moreover, they were also being closely pursued by Rosco's Corpse Witch army. These two points doomed them to a tragic failure.
Brando looked at the others. The faces of these young riders were dusty, indicating that Madden had encountered his first setback. This veteran of the November War now needed food and medicine to calm people's hearts for the next breakout.
But they would never expect to face a second, third defeat soon. Madden only had a day and a half before 'One-eyed' Tagus's main force would bear down on them, repeating the tragedy.
Perhaps he would escape with his life, but he would lose all the honor that belonged to a soldier.
Thinking of this, Brando shook his head, suddenly lacking the mood to argue. But he wasn't someone who repaid grievances with kindness, and he retorted disdainfully, "Do you even need to ask? Isn't it written all over your faces that you came here with such fanfare?"
"You—" Bresson's young companion's forehead veins bulged, and if not for the former holding him back, he would have drawn his sword to duel Brando.
"You've guessed right, but since you don't want to bear the responsibility as a militia member, please step aside," the young guard captain said. "Please don't block our way."
"Wait," Brando couldn't help but get angry. Was this person using provocation tactics? He stood firmly in the middle of the path and asked in a deep voice, "Are the villagers with you now?"
"That's none of your business."
"How many were injured?" Brando asked.
Bresson's expression stiffened. "That's none of your business."
"Of course it's my business. Among them are relatives of my friends—Freya, Little Phinis, and Essen and Markmi. Their families are among these people. Freya and everyone else are fighting to defend Buqi, but what are you fighting for?" Brando pressed on, "Listen, I'm not arguing with you, I just need to know an answer—"
These strong words silenced all the young members of the guard squad, and the murmuring sounds ceased.
"Step aside, Brando," Bresson said with a dark expression.
Brando felt a sinking feeling in his heart, a sense of foreboding rising.
He shook his head, "Take me to see Captain Madden. I'll find Freya and the others. I can lead you out of this predicament, but first, you must tell me if someone in the third squad's family has had an accident?"
Bresson's face darkened, as if overshadowed by heavy clouds.
"You think you—?" The young guard captain squeezed out the words from between his teeth. After saying that, he turned around with a dark expression and gestured to his team to advance from another direction.
He didn't want to say another word to Brando and felt a bit regretful for the words he had said earlier. When he thought about the battle that afternoon, he couldn't help but feel that it was the worst nightmare of his life.
He even suspected that this nightmare would haunt him for the rest of his life.
Brando stood to the side, watching the knights silently leave. Various guesses flashed through his mind, but ultimately, they all converged into one possibility. He couldn't help but shout, "Bresson."
The young deputy guard captain stopped on his horse.
"Is it Freya?"
Bresson's body stiffened, but after hesitating for a while, he nodded.
"What happened?"
"If you find Freya, tell her something for me—"
"What is it?"
Bresson sighed, "If you find her, apologize to her for me. Tell her Aunt Sier and Uncle unfortunately in this afternoon's battle were..."
He was about to finish when he heard a clang behind him.
Everyone was startled, the knights turned around, just in time to see Freya, pale-faced, drop her longsword in disbelief.
The young man named Essen stood behind this future Valkyrie, looking flustered.
"Freya—!" Brando was taken aback. He had already guessed what Bresson was about to say.
"How could this happen? Aunt... she wouldn't..."
Freya suddenly burst into tears, her pale face streaming with tears.
Everyone has their weakest moment.
Seeing the usually strong Freya crouch down and cry bitterly, like a wounded little animal, Brando felt his heart ache. He wanted to say something comforting but couldn't utter a word.
He silently watched her, but then a realization struck him. Perhaps it was this harsh baptism of war that set the innocent, simple, kind-hearted country girl on the path to becoming a Valkyrie.
So history was back on track.
...
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[Note]:
Regarding professions and experience, in the Amber Sword, characters can freely choose their occupations just like in the real world. Today they can be a cook, tomorrow a tailor, or a warrior, or a scout.
However, an individual's time is limited, so the experience gained in combat, adventure, and life production is always finite.
If a person cannot focus on one profession, each additional occupation beyond the first (excluding civilians) will lead to experience penalties. The experience required for each additional occupation will double.
Moreover, unless otherwise stated, the settings in Vorn World and the game Amber Sword are always consistent.
(PS. It's strange, I can't see the reward list in the background, and the frontend doesn't display it completely. I'd like to thank everyone who has supported me with rewards.
It feels like there are few collections, so I hope readers can help spread the word. Thank you!
And as usual, please support by saving, clicking, and recommending so that Amber can keep moving forward on the new book list~!)